FAIRCHILD AIR FORCE BASE, Wash. -- World War II claimed the lives of more than 400,000 Americans. About 79,000 of those who served were not found, identified or buried at the end of the war in 1945, and more than 78,000 of those WWII casualties are still unaccounted for. The U.S. government also continues to account for about 1,800 American who served in the Vietnam War. Just one American of 49 POW/MIAs from Operation DESERT STORM remains missing.
These are a few American POW/MIA facts narrated at Fairchild's POW/MIA ceremony Sept. 14. The morning ceremony began with stories of comrades who have offered high contribution to our nation's freedom, from WWII veterans to those who serve today, and continued to pay tribute to all those who have served. The Fairchild Honor Guard saluted a missing-comrade table, after which the ceremony ended with a reading of the Airman's Creed.
Airman's Creed
I am an American Airman.
I am a Warrior.
I have answered my nation's call.
I am an American Airman.
My mission is to fly, fight and win.
I am faithful to a proud heritage,
a tradition of honor
and a legacy of valor.
I am an American Airman,
guardian of freedom and justice
my nation's sword and shield,
its sentry and avenger.
I defend my country with my life.
I am an American Airman,
wingman, leader, warrior.
I will never leave and Airman behind,
I will never falter,
and I will not fail.